Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed that he is hopeful of returning to action later this month.

John Stones has been absent for City since suffering a hamstring injury against Leicester City on November 18,

The England international has said that his rehab “is going well”, and believes that he could be fit for Christmas.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been out injured – the rehab is going well and hopefully I’ll be back soon,” Stones told Sky Sports News. “I’d like to be back out there for Christmas but let’s see where it goes. I think it might be just after.”

Stones is set to miss crunch matches against Manchester United and Tottenham but will be looking to return for City’s Premier League encounter with Newcastle on December 27.

Stones, 23, has scored three times in 18 appearances for City this season.